Overview:

Linden is an herb that comes from various species of Tilia, or lime tree. It has been used in European folk medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of health problems. Flowers from two linden species (Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllos) were historically used to soothe nerves and treat health problems associated with anxiety. These flowers were steeped as a tea to relieve anxiety-related indigestion, irregular heartbeat, and vomiting. Today, linden is used in many cough and cold remedies. Active ingredients in linden help promote sweating, which may help treat people with fevers. However, there is very little scientific evidence on linden's effectiveness. Lime trees are also valued for their wood and charcoal, and for the honey made from their flowers.

Plant Description:

The Tilia species grow in temperate climates in the north. They are deciduous trees (losing their leaves in winter) that can grow to a height of 90 feet and may live up to 1,000 years. Herbal linden flower formulas typically call for either Tilia cordata, the small-leafed European linden also known as the winter linden, or Tilia platyphyllos, the large-leafed, early-blooming summer linden. Both species are often planted along city streets. Depending on the species, their fragrance ranges from strong and sweet to quite rich. The dried flowers are mildly sweet and sticky, and the fruit is somewhat sweet and slimy. Linden tea has a pleasing taste, due in part to the aromatic volatile oil found in the flowers.

Parts Used:

Linden flowers, leaves, wood, and charcoal (obtained from the wood) are the parts used for medicinal purposes. Active ingredients in the linden flowers include flavonoids (which act as antioxidants), volatile oil, and mucilage components (which are soothing and reduce inflammation). The plant also contains tannins that can act as an astringent.

Medicinal Uses and Indications:

Tilia has been studied in only a few test tube and animal trials. It appears to have antispasmodic (reducing muscle contractions), astringent (drying), diuretic, and sedative properties. Note that different parts of Tilia species are used in treating specific conditions and symptoms.

Colds and Coughs

Tilia cordata/platyphyllos flowers are sometimes suggested to treat colds, cough, fever, infections, inflammation, high blood pressure, headache (particularly migraine); as a diuretic (increases urine production), antispasmodic (reduces smooth muscle spasm along the digestive tract), and sedative.

Other

• Tilia cordata/platyphyllos wood is used for liver and gallbladder disorders and cellulitis (inflammation of the skin and surrounding soft tissue).
• Tilia cordata/platyphyllos charcoal has been used orally to treat intestinal disorders and used topically to treat swelling (edema) or infection (such as cellulitis or ulcers) of the lower leg.

Available Forms:

• Dried flower preparations, including teas and capsules
• Fluid extract
• Tincture

How to Take It:

Pediatric

There are no scientific studies looking at the use of linden to treat children, so you should not give linden to a child under 18 without your doctor's supervision.

Adult

The following are recommended adult doses:

• Tea (infusion): 1 - 2 tsp flowers in 8 oz of water. Steep covered for 20 minutes. Drink three cups of hot tea daily.
• Fluid extract (1:1 in 25 % ethanol), 3 - 4 mL daily, taken in three divided doses
• Tincture (1:5 in 30 % ethanol) 4 - 10 mL daily, taken in three divided doses

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, preferably under the supervision of a health care provider knowledgeable in the field of botanical medicine.

Linden is considered safe at the recommended dosage. There have been rare reports of hives or other allergic skin reactions (called contact dermatitis) from touching the lime tree.

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their doctors before taking linden.

Possible Interactions:

There are no known scientific reports of interactions between linden and conventional medications. However, it is possible that linden may interact with the following:

Diuretics (water pills) -- Linden is thought to have diuretic properties, meaning it helps the body get rid of fluid by increasing urine output. If you take other diuretics, linden might increase their effects and raise your risk of dehydration.

Lithium -- Because linden may act as a diuretic, it could increase the concentration of lithium in your blood. If you take lithium, talk to your doctor before taking linden.

Alternative Names:

Common lime; European lime; Lime tree; Tilia cordata; Tilia platyphyllos